19 comments:

Mid-century modern is my dearest, fondest love. Do I own any actual mid-century modern furniture? No. Nearly everything I have is craftsman. Well, when I get my dream home (craftsman bungalow, natch), I'll be set up as far as furniture.

Of course, by then, I'm sure I will have inherited or found a whole ton of mid-century modern stuff. :D

LOVE the pillow. What a deal! My friend (obviously well-to-do) with new twin grandsons just paid $400 EACH just for the painted canvas for Christmas stockings, not to mention the cost of yarn and finishing. I found a kitten needlpoint pillow at the Goodwill for $2.50 (imported, but still very nice). I am ALWAYS on the lookout for needlepoint anything. I love it when I come across a real find. Keep up the good work - just buy what you love and your home will be lovely and everything will go together since we are always drawn to like things.

Hi Meredith- I know exactly what you mean about mid-century modern and IKEA, etc. Sometimes, I think part of the reason I am drawn to those designs is because they seem so very "clean" and clutter-free, and very calming to my spirit...and I think that the real world I live in, with my 5 kids, husband, and our jumble of "eclectic stuff" doesn't alway portray the calm, organized feeling I am looking for! Don't you think this time of year is the worst for wanting all that, too? It seems like after the hustle of the holidays, everyone is looking for some peace of mind and quiet...even if it just comes from the furniture! Anyway, I love the glimpses that you give us of your home, and I think that it looks beautiful no matter what label you attach to it! Hope everyone is feeling better! Susan

All the Cottage - Country decorating magazines show lovely rooms , that are mainly composed of found treasures. Anyone can BUY IKEA . However , a lovely HOME is a composite of bought , found and treasured items placed with care . You have a very good eye Meredith. You can't buy that at IKEA .

"Stuff I like" can also be a "red thread" in your decorating tapestry that will make everything hang together. My place is full of wild and crazy :clutter: that is just stuff I fall over and fall in love with. Somehow it all matches in a sort of bizarre way.

And some of it IS from IKEA, but in all our place doesn't "look" IKEA.

Ah yes, the vintage modern style is beautiful. I too am always on the lookout for a good teak sideboard or Eames style chair. I love the few thrifted peices I have, but it's hard to decorate exactly how you would like to when you live on a budget and your decorating style is "eclectic" (code in my case for "garage sale"). However, I've been reading a lot about an up-and-coming decorating trend, which is tagged to be the next big thing, "Hollywood Regency" style. You came to mind as you have some great finds in this catagory (your chip-and-dale chairs, for instance). So, you really are a forerunner in design!

-- This is the first time I've commented, but I've been reading your blog for a while and it's so inspirational to me. Thank you Meredith!! --

Love the pillow. You have an amazing eye. I wish you were closer and you could help decorate my home! I know what you mean about styles. I am always drawn to things I see in magazines that look simple and sleek, but my eye always goes toward the cottage cozy look. I can't help myself.

The longer I am married to my husband, the more his style balances my eclectic, cottage-cozy style. Sometimes it's frustrating, but the great thing is, he is very invested in the look and feel of our home. We choose things together. His taste runs towards modern, period. My mother and her generation think this is so weird that we choose things for our home together, because my mom simply goes out and buys what she loves. This fall, I am getting my own little nook which has the working name of "sewing room" right now, but it's actually a place for all my whimsies that my husband can't nix!! Hooray for a room of my own! I agree with others who compliment your eye, Meredith. You mix things very well.

I do like the clean look of modern decor, but I'm a little too sentimental to do it. I like my books and collections around me. I like being able to look around my home and realize that there is a story behind most of my belongings.

I too sometimes long for the clean lines of IKEA instead my "French Country-ish" & "Craftsman-ish." Even though IKEA has an affordable reputation I still find craigslist, clearance, thrift store, & yard sales more budget friendly overall.